Verse 20
In contrast to lifeless idols stands the living and true God. Yahweh lived in His heavenly temple, not in the works of human hands. Therefore all the earth, everything in it, should be quiet before Him out of respect and awe (fear; cf. Habakkuk 2:1; Habakkuk 3:16). There is no need to try and coax Him to come to life or to speak (cf. Habakkuk 2:19).
"This contrasts with the frenetic activity of man to create ’speaking’ gods, and the tumultuous cries of worshippers to make dumb idols respond. Lifeless idols approached in clamour are silent, while the living God, approached in silence and reverence, speaks." [Note: Baker, p. 68.]
The implication of Yahweh’s majestic sovereignty is that He would take care of Babylon; the Israelites did not have to concern themselves with that (cf. Habakkuk 3:16).
"God sometimes uses evil people to accomplish His larger purpose in life. But He never condones evil, and those who do evil He holds accountable for their actions." [Note: Charles H. Dyer, in The Old Testament Explorer, p. 806.]
"The verse provides a bridge to the next major section of the prophecy in that it turns to the positive, looking at God, after the negative, attention to Babylon’s sin." [Note: Baker, p. 68.]
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